Hair Styling Apparatus

ABSTRACT

Hair styling apparatus comprising a pair of pivotally connected handles and a pair of detachable styling members which are connected to the un-pivoted ends of said handles, said styling member comprising a main housing, a styling roller and an electrical adaptor, said styling roller being roatably supported on said main housing and being rotatable about a longitudinal axis which is substantially orthogonal to the pivotal axis joining said handles, said electrical adaptor and said handle including co-operative electrical interfacing means so that operating power for said heating means of said styling member can be supplied from said handle to said styling member via said electrical interfacing means, wherein said styling roller being rotatable relative to said electrical adaptor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to hair styling means and apparatus and, moreparticularly, to hair styling irons such as hair curling irons and hairstraightening irons with a rotatable styling head. More specifically,although of course not solely limited thereto, this invention relates tohandheld hair styling irons and more particularly to handheld hairstyling irons with detachable and rotatable styling heads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hair styling apparatus are widely used in hair applications. A commontype of hair styling apparatus is tong-shaped and comprises a pair ofhinged arms with a pair of heated styling heads, which are mounted onthe free ends of the hinged arms with the styling surfaces facing eachother. Hair is typically styled, for example, by a pair of curling orstraightening heads, when the pair of heated styling heads is incompressive engagement. Another common type of hair styling apparatus isflute-shaped and comprises a handle with an elongated metallic rod whichis substantially coaxial with the handle. The elongated metallic rodcomprises a heated styling head and a spring-biased clamping arm, whichis hinged to the apparatus near the junction between the handle and themetallic rod. Hair is compressively held between the clamp and thestyling head during styling. The aforementioned hair styling apparatusare commonly and collectively known as hair styling irons.

Some conventional hair styling irons include a rotatable styling headwhich may be detachable. A hair styling iron with a rotatable head isbeneficial since stress and strain on hair can be reduced during stylingcontact because, for example, of the smoother relative movements betweenhair and the rotatable styling head. A hair styling iron with arotatable head is advantageous since heat on the circumference of astyling head can be utilised more efficiently and applied more evenly.For hair styling irons equipped with a detachable styling head, avariety of hair styling options can be chosen while only a single handlesuffices.

Most conventional hair styling irons with a rotatable hair styling headare heated by a flow of warm air originated from the handle portion.This indirect heating of the styling head means a relatively low thermalefficiency since heat is first transferred to the vicinity of a stylinghead by forced convection and then to the styling head by contactconduction. In addition, because a hair styling head usually comprises ametallic styling head which is both a good thermal conductor andradiator, the downstream end of a styling head typically requires alonger time to heat up and initial uneven heating on hair can result.Furthermore, the indirection mode of heating for a handheld hair stylingdevice also means that the operation temperature range for hair stylingwill be severely limited which may adversely affect styling results.

Hence, it will be desirable if improved hair styling means with arotatable styling head which alleviate shortcomings of known hairstyling apparatus is provided.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide hair stylingapparatus with styling heads alleviating shortcomings of conventionaldesigns. At a minimum, it is an object of this invention to provide thepublic with a useful choice of a hair styling apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided hair stylingapparatus comprising a pair of pivotally connected handles and a pair ofdetachable styling members which are connected to the un-pivoted ends ofsaid handles, each said styling member comprising a main housing, astyling roller, built-in heating means and an electrical adaptor, saidstyling roller being rotatably supported on said main housing and beingrotatable about a longitudinal axis which is substantially orthogonal tothe pivotal axis joining said handles, said electrical adaptor and saidhandle including co-operative rotary electrical interfacing means sothat operating power for said heating means of said styling member canbe supplied from said handle to said styling member via said rotaryelectrical interfacing means, wherein said styling roller beingrotatable relative to said handles.

With electric heating means built-in on the styling heads/rollers anddisposed proximal to the styling heads, hair styling performance is moresatisfactory and thermal efficiency is enhanced.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided hairstyling attachments comprising a main housing, a styling roller,built-in heating means and an electrical adaptor, said styling rollerbeing elongated and rotatably supported at its longitudinal ends on saidmain housing, said styling member being rotatable about its longitudinalaxis, said electrical adaptor comprises an electrical connector andco-operative rotary electrical interfacing means so that operating powerfor said heating means can be supplied from said electrical connectorvia said rotary electrical interfacing means, wherein said electricalconnector being adapted for making external electrical connection.

Preferably, said pair of detachable styling members comprisingcooperative styling rollers with styling surfaces which are rotaterelative to each other for continuous hair styling.

Preferably, each said styling roller comprising a salient stylingsurface which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis, said longitudinalaxis being substantially orthogonal to the pivotal axis joining saidhandles, said handles being pivotally movable between a hair clampingposition at which position said styling members being in compressivecontact and a releasing position at which position said styling membersbeing separated, the salient styling surfaces of said styling rollersbeing complementary so that, when said handles being held together insaid hair clamping position during hair styling application, the salientsurfaces of said styling rollers being in complementary engagement suchthat hair is clamped between said styling rollers and can be styled bysaid complementary salient surfaces of said styling rollers when saidstyling rollers are moved along said hair.

Preferably, said styling roller comprising a substantially cylindricalbarrel with a hair styling surface on the outside of said barrel forcooperative hair styling by the pair of hair styling roller, saidstyling surface being substantially symmetrical about said longitudinalaxis about which said styling roller being freely rotatable.

Preferably, said electrical adaptor comprising rotary-type electricalcontacts for interconnection between said heating means and the powersupply.

Preferably, said electrical adaptor comprising a bayonet-type connectorwith a pair of axially extending rigid electrodes, said handlecomprising a receptacle at its un-pivoted end for receiving saidbayonet-type connector, said electrical adaptor further comprising partof a rotary-type connector on the side away from said bayonet-typeconnector.

Preferably, said rotary-type connector comprises a bush-and-bracketarrangement, said bracket being disposed on said electrical adaptor andsaid bush being disposed on said styling roller.

Preferably, said electrical adaptor comprising a bayonet-type connectorwith a pair of axially extending rigid electrodes, said rigid electrodesbeing adapted for making an external bayonet-type connection, saidelectrical adaptor further comprising part of a rotary-type connector onthe side away from said bayonet-type connector.

Preferably, said rotary-type connector comprises a bush-and-bracketarrangement, said bracket being disposed on said electrical adaptor andsaid bush being disposed on said styling roller.

Preferably, said styling roller comprising a hollow barrel with a hairstyling surface on the outside of said barrel for cooperative hairstyling with a counterpart hair styling roller, said hair stylingsurface being substantially symmetrical about said longitudinal axisabout which said styling roller being freely rotatable, said plasticmain housing covering the longitudinal ends and a substantialcircumferential portion of said styling roller, the un-covered surfaceof the styling roller being for hair styling, said styling roller beingsupported by said main housing in a cradle-like manner.

Preferably, a bayonet-type electrical connector protrudes from saidplastic main housing for making external electrical connection, saidbayonet-type electrical connector being adapted for connection axiallyalong said longitudinal axis of said styling roller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained infurther detail below by way of examples and with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:-

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a first preferredembodiment of a hair styling apparatus of this invention with thestyling members detached,

FIG. 1A is a transversal cross-section of the apparatus of FIG. 1 atsection line AA with the styling rollers mounted,

FIG. 2 a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the hair stylingapparatus of FIG. 1 with styling members assembled,

FIG. 2A is a transversal cross-section of the styling apparatus of FIG.2 taken along section line B-B,

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a hair curler witha pair of detachable curling heads illustrating a second preferredembodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 3A is a transversal cross-section of the apparatus of FIG. 3 takenalong section line B-B,

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing a hair straightener with a pairof straightening heads disassembled illustrating a third preferredembodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the internalstructure of the hair straightener of FIG. 4 with the styling headsassembled,

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 5,

FIGS. 5B to 5E show the transversal cross-sections along the sectionallines B-B, C-C, D-D and E-E,

FIG. 6 illustrates the hair straightener of FIG. 5 in the “opened”configuration,

FIG. 7 shows a schematic side view showing a hair curler of a fourthpreferred embodiment of this invention with the curling heads detached,and

FIG. 7A is a transversal cross-section showing the cross-sections of thecurling heads of FIG. 7 in co-operative and complementary engagements,

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a hair curling iron showing a fifthpreferred embodiment of this invention,

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along section line A-A′ of FIG.8, and illustrating the internal structure of the curling iron of FIG.8; and

FIG. 9B is cross-sectional view taken along section line B-B′ of FIG.9A, and illustrating an electricity supply mechanism of the curling ironof FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 2A, there is shown a hair styling apparatusillustrating a first preferred embodiment of this invention. The hairstyling apparatus 100 comprises a handle 200 and a pair of detachablestyling members 300. The handle is a tong-typed handle comprising a pairof arms pivoted near their respective ends. The handle is a “open”position and a “close” position so that tresses of hair can be releasedand engaged respectively by a pair of styling heads attached to thenon-pivoted ends of the handle. The pair of arms are preferablyergonomically shaped and styled for comfortable use of a user. Each ofthe arms comprises a hollow main housing 210 so that electricalinstallations for styling operation can be accommodated on or within thehollow compartments defined by the main housing. The main housing can bemade of durable or other plastics. An electrical power cord 220 isconnected to one end of the handle for supplying operating power to theelectrical parts of the styling apparatus. A swivel head is provided atthe interconnecting end of the power cord to avoid cord twisting. Amaster electrical switch 230 is connected in series between theelectrical parts and the main power supply and is mounted on the mainhousing. The master electrical switch can be a conventional electricalswitch such as a slide switch, a push-button switch or a rocker switch.The pivotal hinge 240 joining the arms may be spring biased so that thearms are urged towards the open position when a user is not holding thearms together. A pair of lock switches 250 is provided near therespective un-pivoted ends of the arms for interfacing and/or connectionto the styling member 300. The lock switch can be conventional lockswitches known to persons skilled in the art for making securedelectrical and mechanical connection between the styling members 300 andthe handle 200.

Each styling member 300 comprises a main housing 310, a styling roller320 and an electrical adaptor. The main housing 310 holds the electricaladapter 330 and the styling roller 320 with the styling roller freelyrotatable relative to the main housing. The main housing is made of aninsulating material, such as durable plastics, and is adapted so that,when the styling member is mounted on the main housing, a substantialportion of the styling roller not facing a corresponding styling memberis covered while the remaining portion is exposed along its length atthe region facing the corresponding styling member when mounted foroperation. For example, about half of the circumferential portion of astyling member is covered. The exposed front portion of the stylingmember is adapted for cooperation with the exposed surface of acorresponding styling member for hair styling so that a user's hair canbe compressively held between the pair of exposed styling surfaces ofthe styling members during normal styling operations. The covering ofthe back portion of the styling roller alleviates the risk of adverseinadvertent accidental contact to a user's hand or scalp, since therollers are likely to be very hot during use.

The styling roller 320 is mounted on the plastic main housing at itslongitudinal ends and comprises a substantially hollow cylindrical bodywith an outer styling surface 321. The hollow body of the styling memberis made of thermally conductive materials, such as, for example,aluminium or its alloys, copper or its alloys and steel etc. The stylingroller is rotatable, for example, freely rotatable, about itslongitudinal axis so that, when tresses of hair user are engaged betweena corresponding pair of styling members during styling operation, thestyling apparatus can be moved along the length of the hair to shape asubstantial length of hair without un-necessary frictional tension. Thestyling roller is mounted on the main housing and is supported by a pairof suspension means near its longitudinal ends for smooth relativerotation. The suspension means in the present example is a ring-shapedbush 322, although other appropriate suspension means can also be used.With the plastic main housing supporting the longitudinal ends of thestyling roller and with the back surface of the styling rollersubstantially covered, the styling roller is practically covered by athermally insulative housing except at the exposed styling surfaces.Consequently and with the styling roller being cradled by the plasticmain housing, a user can easily remove a hot styling member with risk ofbeing burnt.

The electrical heater 330 is disposed inside the hollow roller body andadjacent, and preferably immediately adjacent, the outer styling surfaceso that the heat generated by the electrical heater can be moreefficiently transmitted to the outer styling surfaces 321. Theelectrical heater can be a resistive heater, an infra-red heater orother appropriate heaters. For more efficient heated hair styling, thestyling roller is preferably made of a thermally conductive materialsuch as copper and/or its alloys, aluminium and/or its alloys, nickelplated steel and the like. The electrical heater 330 is connected to apair of rotary-type connectors for making electrical connection with acorresponding pair of electrodes on the electrical adaptor and thereforethe power supply. The rotary-type connector in the present examplecomprises a pair of longitudinally displaced bushes or conductive rings340. The pair of conductive rings is coaxially mounted on an insulatedbase 350 which is in turn mounted to a longitudinal end of the stylingroller. The bushes can be made of, for example, copper, graphite and thelike.

The electrical adaptor provides electrical interconnection between thepower supply and the electrical heater and also serves as a mechanicalfastener for holding the styling member onto the handle. In the presentexample, the electrical adaptor comprises a bayonet type connector 360with a pair of rigid electrodes 370 extending axially away from aninsulated base 380 which is attached to an axial end of the main housing310 of the styling member. To provide electrical connection between thepair of electrodes and the lead-wire of the electrical heater so thatthe electrical heater can obtain operating power while the stylingroller is rotating, a pair of conductive brackets 390 is attached to themain housing of the styling member to cooperate with the conductiverings to complete a rotary-type electrical connection. As can be seenfrom the transversal cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A, one end of thebracket 390 is attached to the main housing and the lead-wire to theelectrode while the other end, the free end, is shaped to conform withthe shape of the conductive ring. The bracket 390 is preferably made ofa strong resilient conductive material so that the curved end of thebracket will be constantly in compressive with the conductive ring.

To further provide mechanical rigidity when the styling member has beeninserted into the handle, the electrical adaptor protrudes from an axialend of the main housing and the handle is formed with a correspondinglyshaped locking receptacle to securely hold the styling member onceattached.

The insulated base 380 and the pair of rigid electrodes 370 of theelectrical adaptor together form a bayonet-type plug which form a secureconnection with the handle when properly inserting into to acorrespondingly shaped socket or receptacle on the free, un-pivoted, endof the handle. The base of the receptacle 260 comprises a pair ofconductive sockets for providing snap-fit electrical connection betweenthe power wire and the electrodes of the styling members.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 2A, the hair styling apparatus is a hairstraightener 110 is in its closed configuration and the styling surfacesof the straightening rollers are in contiguous contact when the handleis in its “closed” configuration which is adapted for hair styling.Specifically, the styling member 300 comprises a straightening roller320 having a substantially hollow and cylindrical metallic (for example,aluminium or its alloys) body with a straightening outer surface whichis substantially flat and smooth for hair straightening.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 3A, there is shown a hair curler 120illustrating a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thehair curler comprises a handle which is identical to that shown in FIG.1 and a pair of elongated detachable styling members as described above.Specifically, the styling member comprises a curler roller with asubstantially hollow and cylindrical body on which a salient haircurling surface is formed. As shown in FIG. 3A, the salient surface onthe curling roller comprises a plurality of circumferentially disposedand radially protruding curling teeth which taper away from thelongitudinal axis of the curling roller. The curling teeth on the pairof curling heads are substantially complementary so that the protrudingteeth of one curling head will be received substantially within thetrough between adjacent teeth on the corresponding curling head.

It will be appreciated that the styling members described above are in amodular form and as a hair styling attachment which is self-contained sothat once the styling attachment is inserted into a corresponding socketon the handle, the styling attachment 300 will be operational.

Referring next to FIGS. 4 to 7A, there is shown a hair straightener 1001illustrating a third preferred embodiment of this present invention. Thehair straightener 1001 comprises a pair of pivotally connected handles1010 and a pair of elongated styling members which are respectivelyconnected to the un-pivoted ends of the handles. The pair of elongatedstyling members comprises a pair of straightening heads 1020. Eachstraightening head 1020 comprises an elongated barrel with asubstantially cylindrical and smooth hair straightening surface. Heatingmeans, for example, resistive heating coils 1021, infrared or PTCheaters, are distributed underneath the cylindrical straighteningsurface 1022 and substantially along the effective length of thestraightening head. An attachment means is formed on the straighteninghead for connection with the handle portion. The attachment meanscomprises a pair of protruding connectors 1023 extending from an axialend of the substantially cylindrical straightening head and towards thehandles 1010. In addition to forming mechanical connection with thehandle portion, the attachment means also provides electrical connectionbetween the heating means and the corresponding power source connectedto the handle portions. Specifically, the attachment means comprises apair of axially extending rigid conductive electrodes for insertion intoa socket formed on the handle portion for making electrical connection.The hair straightening surface is preferably thermally conductive foroptimal heat transfer from the heating means to the hair. Thecylindrical hair straightening surface is typically made of stainlesssteel or other appropriate thermally conductive materials.

The handle portion 1010 comprises a pair of pivotally connected arms1011 or handles which can be movable between the “fully-opened” and the“fully-closed” positions. In the fully-closed position, when connectedwith the styling hair. hair will be engaged between the cylindrical hairstraightening surfaces of the pair of straightening heads. During thefully-opened position, the cylindrical hair straightening surfaces ofthe straightening heads will be moved away from each other so that hairbetween the pair of straightening heads will not be subject tocompressive force by the straightening heads.

The pair of pivotally connected handles is joined together under springbias so that the pair of pivotal arms will be urged towards thefully-opened position when no closing tension is applied to them. A pairof axially extending shafts 1012 protrudes from the free, un-pivoted endof the handles. The axially extending shafts reinforce the compressionalstrength and enhance the rotational stability of the rotating heads. Anelectrical lead 1013 for connecting mains power supply to the hairstraightener is connected to the hinged end of the pivotal arms. Each ofthe pivotal arms comprises a hollow housing so that electrical wiringfor supplying power to the heating means can transit from the electricallead to the un-pivoted free ends of the handle portion. An electricalswitch 1014 for controlling the power supply to the heating means isconnected in series with the heating means and the electrical lead sothat a user may turn on or off power supply to the heating means orchange the heating power level.

Electrical connection between the handle portion and the straighteninghead is via a rotary-type electrical connection. The rotary-typeconnection comprises a pair of axially extending electrodes 1023 whichare detachably connected to an insulated collar 1015. The insulatedcollar 1015 is rotatably mounted about the shaft 1012 and comprises apair of electrode receiving sockets 1017. The electrode-receiving socketcomprises an axially extending trough with a conductive seat for makingdetachable electrical coupling with the electrode. The sockets 1017 formaking rotary-type connection with the electrodes of the rotatablestraightening heads are disposed on the handles and proximal to thefree, un-pivoted, ends of the handle portion.

The conductive seat comprises a bulb-shaped conductive brace with aresiliently and radially expandable front aperture for detachable andcompressing holding of the electrode. The depth and width of the seatsand troughs are adapted so that the electrodes can be seated securelyand comfortably with good electrical connection when mounted onto thehandle. A pair of axially displaced circumferential conductive rings isattached to the insulated collar 1015. The pair of axially displacedconductive rings 1171 are respectively connected to the live and neutralwires via a respective pair of conductive spring plates 1172 whichextend from the main housing towards the shaft 1012 so that theconductive rings are electrically connected to the mains power supplyduring rotation. The conductive seats and rings may be made of copper,graphite, stainless steel or other appropriate conductive materials.

Although the electrodes and the troughs are symmetrically disposed aboutthe shaft axis in the present embodiment, it will be appreciated thatthey can be non-symmetrically disposed without loss of generality.

Mechanical fastening means are provided respectively on the stylingheads and the handles to hold the styling heads during use. An exampleof such mechanical fastening means is a “lock-ring” type connector 1018disposed at the approaching ends of the styling heads and the handles.In addition, a spring clip 1019 is provided at the front end of thestyling head for resilient and compressive retention of the styling headon the shaft.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, when the straightening heads are attached tothe handle portion with the pair of electrodes fastened onto thesemi-circular seats formed on the circumferential groove, the heatingelements will obtain operating electrical power from the pair ofelectrodes while the straightening head is rotatable relative to thehandle portion.

Turning now to the operation of the hair straightener, when hairstraightening is required, strains of hair are placed in the spacebetween the straightening heads of FIG. 6. The pivotal arms are thenpressed towards each other so that the pair of straightening heads willbe moved towards each other, whereby hair is compressively engaged. Thepair of straightening heads is then moved along the hair length of thestrains of hair by, for example, sliding the straightener downwardstowards the free ends of the hair. The friction between the hair and thecylindrical straightening heads will cause relative rotation of thestraightening heads with respect to the hair. The heat at the surface ofthe flat cylindrical hair straightening surface of the straighteninghair will cause straightening of hair while the straightening heads arerolling along the hair. As the rotatable heads are pressing against thestrains of hair while moving along the hair, the hair can bestraightened with less tension required. Furthermore, straighteningheads of various longitudinal and transversal dimensions can be utilizedsince the rotational straightening heads can be detachable from thehandle portion.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 7A, there is shown a hair curler 1002illustrating a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thehair curler comprises a pair of pivotally connected handles 1011 and apair of elongated styling members 1030 which are for detachableconnection to the un-pivoted ends of the handles. In this preferredembodiment, the styling members comprise a pair of curling heads. Eachcurling head comprises an elongated and cylindrical barrel with asalient hair curling surface 1032. As shown in FIG. 4A, the salientsurface on the curling head of the present preferred embodimentcomprises a plurality of circumferentially disposed and radiallyprotruding curling teeth 1033 which taper away from the longitudinalaxis of the curling head. The curling teeth on the pair of curling headsare substantially complementary so that the protruding teeth of onecurling head will be received substantially within the trough 1034between adjacent teeth on the corresponding curling head.

Similar to the hair straightener, the curling heads are inserted axiallyalong the protruding shafts of the handle until the electrodes, whichare also axially extending electrically pins, are seated within theconcentric and circular conductive grooves and in close electricalcontact therewith. At that instant, the curling head will be fastenedonto the handle by, for example, a lock-ring like fastening means. Foroptimal thermal transfer, the salient surface, including the protrudingteeth, is formed of thermally conductive materials such as stainlesssteel. During use, hair is clamped between the curling heads and engagedbetween the curling teeth with the salient curling surfaces incomplementary engagement. The hair curler is then slided along theengaged strains of hair and the heated salient members of the curlingheads will then press and curl the engaged hair strains. Similarly, asthe curling heads are rotatable relative to the handle, hair can becurled with less tension. It will be appreciated that the dimensions ofthe salient teeth members 1033 can be varied according to the degree ofcurl required by a user. This could be accomplished by, for example,providing a plurality of hair curling heads with corresponding andcomplementary salient curling surfaces. As an alternative, heatedconductive spurs can be dispersed on the cylindrical surfaces of thecurling head to achieve hair curling.

FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B illustrate an exemplary fifth preferred embodiment ofa hair styling iron of this invention. The hair styling iron 2100comprises a handle 2110, a first styling head 2120 and a second stylinghead 2130. The handle 2110 is tong-shaped and comprises a first handleportion 2101 and a second handle portion 2103. The first handle portion2101 and the second handle portion 2103 are connected at a conjunctionend 2105 and are pivotable about a hinge 2107. The hair styling iron2100 can be operated between an open position to capture (or release)hair and a closed position (as shown in FIG. 8) to clamp and further tocurl or straighten the hair captured. A torsion spring (see FIG. 9A) isprovided at the hinge 2107 to urge the handle portions 2101, 2103 awayfrom, each other and towards the open opposition. Therefore, when theexemplary curling iron 2100 is in use, the user will need to press thehandle portions 2101, 2103 together for hair clamping. A power cord witha swivel head 2109 is connected to the conjunction end 2105 so thatelectric power can be supplied to the styling iron 2100. The swivel head2109 arrangement allows relative rotational movements between the hairstyling iron 2100 and the power cord so that twisting of the power cordcan be mitigated. A switch 2111 is provided on the first handle portion2101 so that heating power to heaters on the styling heads can be turnedon or turned off.

The first and the second handle portions comprise a hollow housing made,for example, of durable plastics, and electrical connection mechanismsto be explained in more detail below are accommodated in the hollowhousing. A optional or additional hair clamp 2190 is provided on thefirst handle portion so that hair can be clamped between the firststyling member 2121 and the additional hair clamp 2190 for additionalstyling options. The additional hair clamp is hinged at near thenon-hinged end of the first handle portion with the clamping memberextending substantially parallel with the first styling head when in thehair clamping position.

The outer surfaces of a corresponding pair of styling members incombination define the hair styling characteristics to be achieved. Eachof the styling heads comprises a rotatable styling member withdistributed electric heating means disposed underneath or near itsinternal surfaces for good thermal conduction. Although resistiveheating means are commonly used, it will be appreciated that otherheating means, for example, infra-red heating, can be used. The stylingmember comprises an elongated body which is rotatable about itslongitudinal axis 2131 which is substantially orthogonal to the pivotalaxis of the hinge 2107. A typical styling member comprises a hollowmetallic barrel of a cylindrical cross-section, although it may becoated with a layer or ceramics or other appropriate materials and othercross-sectional shapes can be used.

In this preferred embodiment, the pairs of styling head and handleportions are substantially identical. Therefore, only an exemplary pairof styling head and handle portion will be described, although it willbe clear to persons skilled in the art that arrangements of the pairs ofhandle and styling head combination may be different.

Turning now to an exemplary interconnection between a styling head 2130and a corresponding handle portion 2103. An adaptor 2140 comprising anelongated hollow housing made of an insulating material, such as durableplastics, and with a substantially cylindrical cross-section. Theadaptor is fixedly mounted to one end 2133 of the styling head which isproximal to the handle portion. Fastening means, for example, screws2141, can be used to fasten the adaptor 2140 to the styling head 2130 sothat both will rotate together during use. The elongated adaptor housingis then inserted into the interior hollow space of the handle portion2103. The hollow housing of the adaptor 2140 comprises a hollow interior2143 through which electrical wiring interconnecting the heating meansand the power source can run. Specifically, a pair of wires 2145 forconnecting the heating means inside the styling head with a pair ofconductive bushes (or brackets or bearings) 2147 are attached to theinternal surface 2149 of the hollow housing of the adaptor. The wiresextend from the proximal end 2133 of the styling head 2130, through theinterior space 2143 and to near the distal end 2149 of the adaptor. Thebushes are typically made of metal, such as copper, nickel coated copperand etc., or non-metal, such as graphite. A pair of electrodes (notshown) is provided at the proximal end of the styling head 2130 for moreconvenient connection between the heating means and the wires 2145.

As is apparent from FIGS. 9A and 9B, the wires 2145 extend radiallyoutward at near the distal end 2151 of the adaptor 2140 to connect witha pair of conductive bushes or rings 2147. The conductive bushes 2147are fixedly attached to the adaptor 2140 and are exposed on the exteriorof the adaptor housing. Each bush (or bearing) 2147 has a closedcircular configuration matching with the profile of the adaptor 2140. Acircular bush will ensure continuous power supply from a compatiblepower source brush on the handle portion when the combined styling head2130 and adaptor 2140 rotate relatively to the handle 2110 during use.

To ensure continuous and un-interrupted power flow from the power sourceto the heating means while the styling heads are rotating, a conductivebrush 2153 which facilitates electrical connection between the movablestyling head and the handle by mechanical contact is provided. Thisconductive brush 2153 is mounted on the main housing of the handle 2110and extends inwardly towards the conductive bushes 2147. The conductivebrush is configured so that it is always in compressive contact with thebushes 2147 for good electrical contact. An exemplary contact brush isas shown in FIG. 9B and comprises a spring like bearing plate. Thiscontact brush is curved and extended for approximately a quarter circleto ensure an adequate contact surface is provided between the bush 2147and the brush 2153. Steel, copper alloy or other spring resilientconductors are examples of conductors suitable for use as contactbrushes. Alternatively, resilient conductive brackets or bushes whichare configured to be always in compressive contact with the bushes canalso be used without loss of generality. An example of such brackets iswasher-like brackets with opened ends which are adapted to embrace acorrespondingly shaped and sized contact bush under compressive contact.

In order to stabilize the styling heads when mounted on the handleportions, a plurality of circular protrusions are formed and distributedalong the length of the hollow housing of the handle portions. Thesecircular protrusions serve as bushes which allow smooth relativerotation between the adaptor 2140 and the housing of the handle whilelimiting adverse space between the adaptor and the housing to alleviateadverse lateral movements of the styling head so that safety can beenhanced. A corresponding plurality of circumferential grooves may beformed on the outside of the adaptor to lock the styling member inplace.

In use, the power cord is connected to the mains and the switch is tunedon. When the styling member is sufficiently heated, the handle is opento capture tresses of hair to be treated. Due to the rotatable stylingheads, which are straightening heads in this instance, a use canstraighten a length of hair but rolling the styling heads towards thefree ends of hair.

It can be understood from the above that heat loss can be significantlyreduced since electricity is now supplied directly to the heating meansdisposed on the rotatable styling heads. In addition, alternatives canbe made to the exemplary embodiment. For example, the styling member canbe made as a barrel of a suitable resistive heating material so that thestyling member is self-heated. In that case, electricity is supplied tothe barrel directly for direct heating.

It will be appreciated that the same numerals have been used torepresent the same, equivalent or common parts wherever appropriate asthe embodiments comprise many common parts.

While the present invention has been explained by reference to theexamples or preferred embodiments described above, it will beappreciated that those are examples to assist understanding of thepresent invention and are not meant to be restrictive. The scope of thisinvention should be determined and/or inferred from the preferredembodiments described above and with reference to the Figures whereappropriate or when the context requires. In particular, variations ormodifications which are obvious or trivial to persons skilled in theart, as well as improvements made thereon, should be considered asfalling within the scope and boundary of the present invention. Forexample, although the invention has been described with reference totong-shaped apparatus, it would be appreciated that a hair stylingattachment with a styling roller having a built-in heating means can bereadily used with a rod-type device.

Furthermore, while the present invention has been explained by referenceto hair straightener and hair curlers, it should be appreciated that theinvention can apply, whether with or without modification, to other haircare apparatus without loss of generality.

1. Hair styling apparatus comprising a pair of pivotally connectedhandles and a pair of detachable styling members which are connected tothe un-pivoted ends of said handles, each said styling member comprisinga main housing, a styling roller, built-in heating means and anelectrical adaptor, said styling roller being rotatably supported onsaid main housing and being rotatable about a longitudinal axis which issubstantially orthogonal to the pivotal axis joining said handles, saidelectrical adaptor and said styling roller including co-operative rotaryelectrical interfacing means so that operating power for said heatingmeans of said styling member can be supplied from said electricaladaptor to said styling member via said rotary electrical interfacingmeans, wherein said styling roller being rotatable relative to saidhandles.
 2. Hair styling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidpair of detachable styling members comprising cooperative stylingrollers with styling surfaces which are rotate relative to each otherfor continuous hair styling.
 3. Hair styling apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein each said styling roller comprising a salient stylingsurface which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis, said longitudinalaxis being substantially orthogonal to the pivotal axis joining saidhandles, said handles being pivotally movable between a hair clampingposition at which position said styling members being in compressivecontact and a releasing position at which position said styling membersbeing separated, the salient styling surfaces of said styling rollersbeing complementary so that, when said handles being held together insaid hair clamping position during hair styling application, the salientsurfaces of said styling rollers being in complementary engagement suchthat hair is clamped between said styling rollers and can be styled bysaid complementary salient surfaces of said styling rollers when saidstyling rollers are moved along said hair.
 4. Hair styling apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein said styling roller comprising asubstantially cylindrical barrel with a hair styling surface on theoutside of said barrel for cooperative hair styling by the pair of hairstyling roller, said styling surface being substantially symmetricalabout said longitudinal axis about which said styling roller beingfreely rotatable.
 5. Hair styling apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said electrical adaptor comprising rotary-type electricalcontacts for interconnection between said heating means and the powersupply.
 6. Hair styling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidelectrical adaptor comprising a bayonet-type connector with a pair ofaxially extending rigid electrodes, said handle comprising a receptacleat its un-pivoted end for receiving said bayonet-type connector, saidelectrical adaptor further comprising part of a rotary-type connector onthe side away from said bayonet-type connector.
 7. Hair stylingapparatus according to claim 6, wherein said rotary-type connectorcomprises a bush-and-bracket arrangement, said bracket being disposed onsaid electrical adaptor and said bush being disposed on said stylingroller.
 8. Hair styling attachment comprising a main housing, a stylingroller, built-in heating means and an electrical adaptor, said stylingroller being elongated and rotatably supported at its longitudinal endson said main housing, said styling member being rotatable about itslongitudinal axis, said electrical adaptor comprises an electricalconnector and co-operative rotary electrical interfacing means so thatoperating power for said heating means can be supplied from saidelectrical connector via said rotary electrical interfacing means,wherein said electrical connector being adapted for making externalelectrical connection.
 9. Hair styling attachment according to claim 8,wherein said electrical adaptor comprising a bayonet-type connector witha pair of axially extending rigid electrodes, said rigid electrodesbeing adapted for making an external bayonet-type connection, saidelectrical adaptor further comprising part of a rotary-type connector onthe side away from said bayonet-type connector.
 10. Hair stylingattachment according to claim 9, wherein said rotary-type connectorcomprises a bush-and-bracket arrangement, said bracket being disposed onsaid electrical adaptor and said bush being disposed on said stylingroller.
 11. Hair styling attachment according to claim 8, wherein saidstyling roller comprising a hollow barrel with a hair styling surface onthe outside of said barrel for cooperative hair styling with acounterpart hair styling roller, said hair styling surface beingsubstantially symmetrical about said longitudinal axis about which saidstyling roller being freely rotatable, said plastic main housingcovering the longitudinal ends and a substantial circumferential portionof said styling roller, the un-covered surface of the styling rollerbeing for hair styling, said styling roller being supported by said mainhousing in a cradle-like manner.
 12. Hair styling attachment accordingto claim 8, wherein a bayonet-type electrical connector protrudes fromsaid plastic main housing for making external electrical connection,said bayonet-type electrical connector being adapted for connectionaxially along said longitudinal axis of said styling roller.